In 15 Seconds
- Accepting a new challenge or responsibility voluntarily.
- Commonly used for work projects or personal life goals.
- Can also mean to compete against someone in a match.
Meaning
To accept a new responsibility, job, or challenge that might be difficult or time-consuming.
Key Examples
3 of 6In a job interview
I am ready to take on the responsibilities of a senior manager.
I am ready to take on the responsibilities of a senior manager.
Talking to a stressed friend
Don't take on too much work, or you'll burn out.
Don't take on too much work, or you'll burn out.
Discussing a sports match
Our team will take on the champions in the final next week.
Our team will take on the champions in the final next week.
Cultural Background
There is a strong emphasis on 'taking on' more than your job description requires. This is often called 'going the extra mile' and is key to career advancement. The phrase is used heavily in football (soccer) commentary to describe a player dribbling past an opponent. While 'taking on' responsibility is valued, it is often done as a group. An individual 'taking on' a task without consulting the team can sometimes be seen as disruptive. Due to 'Janteloven' (the Law of Jante), 'taking on' a massive challenge to show off individual superiority is sometimes discouraged in favor of collective modesty.
The 'Burden' Test
If the task feels like a 'weight' you are picking up, 'take on' is likely the correct phrase.
Pronoun Placement
Never say 'take on it'. It's the most common mistake for B2 learners. Always 'take it on'.
In 15 Seconds
- Accepting a new challenge or responsibility voluntarily.
- Commonly used for work projects or personal life goals.
- Can also mean to compete against someone in a match.
What It Means
Think of take on as opening your arms to catch a heavy box. You are choosing to accept a task or a burden. It usually implies that the thing you are accepting is a bit of a challenge. It is not just doing a small favor. It is about committing your time and energy to something significant.
How To Use It
You can use take on followed by a noun. For example, you take on a project or a new role. You can also put a person in the middle: take him on. This version usually means you are ready to fight or compete with them. Just be careful not to take on too much at once! Your schedule will thank you later.
When To Use It
Use this phrase when you are feeling ambitious at work. It sounds great in a meeting when you want to show initiative. You can also use it when talking about life changes. Maybe you decided to take on the challenge of learning a new language. It is perfect for describing a brave choice to do something hard.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for tiny, effortless things. You don't take on the task of drinking a glass of water. That sounds a bit too dramatic! Also, avoid using it if you are forced to do something. Usually, take on implies you had some choice in the matter. If your boss demands it, you might just be 'doing' it.
Cultural Background
In Western work culture, 'taking on' more work is often seen as a sign of a 'go-getter.' It reflects an individualistic drive to succeed and grow. However, there is a growing trend of 'quiet quitting' where people refuse to take on extra unpaid labor. It is a phrase right at the center of the work-life balance debate.
Common Variations
You might hear people say take on board. This means to accept an idea or a suggestion. If someone says they have taken on a new look, they mean they have adopted a new style. The most common variation is definitely taking on too much. We all do that when we drink too much coffee and feel like superheroes!
Usage Notes
The phrase is very versatile and fits in almost any setting. Just remember that when using pronouns, the pronoun usually goes between 'take' and 'on' (e.g., 'take it on').
The 'Burden' Test
If the task feels like a 'weight' you are picking up, 'take on' is likely the correct phrase.
Pronoun Placement
Never say 'take on it'. It's the most common mistake for B2 learners. Always 'take it on'.
Job Interviews
Using 'take on' instead of 'do' makes you sound much more professional and motivated to recruiters.
Atmosphere
Use 'take on' to describe a room or a person's face changing mood to sound more like a native speaker.
Examples
6I am ready to take on the responsibilities of a senior manager.
I am ready to take on the responsibilities of a senior manager.
Shows confidence and willingness to handle a higher workload.
Don't take on too much work, or you'll burn out.
Don't take on too much work, or you'll burn out.
A common piece of advice regarding work-life balance.
Our team will take on the champions in the final next week.
Our team will take on the champions in the final next week.
Here it means to compete or play against.
I've decided to take on marathon training this year!
I've decided to take on marathon training this year!
Refers to a personal physical challenge.
I didn't realize that taking on a puppy was a full-time job.
I didn't realize that taking on a puppy was a full-time job.
Uses the phrase to describe the unexpected work of a new pet.
She took on the role of caring for her elderly parents with grace.
She took on the role of caring for her elderly parents with grace.
Describes a serious, emotional commitment.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'take on'.
I'm already so busy; I really can't _______ any more projects right now.
After 'can't', we use the base form of the verb.
Which sentence uses the pronoun correctly?
The challenge was difficult, but...
Pronouns must go between 'take' and 'on'.
Match the sense of 'take on' to the sentence.
1. Hiring staff, 2. Competing, 3. Acquiring a quality. Sentence: 'The sky took on a dark, threatening color.'
The sentence describes the sky acquiring a new appearance.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Are you going to apply for the manager position?' B: 'I'm not sure if I'm ready to _______ that much stress.'
'Take on' is used for accepting stress or responsibility.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Take On vs. Take Up
Practice Bank
4 exercisesI'm already so busy; I really can't _______ any more projects right now.
After 'can't', we use the base form of the verb.
The challenge was difficult, but...
Pronouns must go between 'take' and 'on'.
1. Hiring staff, 2. Competing, 3. Acquiring a quality. Sentence: 'The sky took on a dark, threatening color.'
The sentence describes the sky acquiring a new appearance.
A: 'Are you going to apply for the manager position?' B: 'I'm not sure if I'm ready to _______ that much stress.'
'Take on' is used for accepting stress or responsibility.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
12 questionsIt is neutral. It's perfect for business, but also fine for chatting with friends.
No, use 'put on' for clothes. 'Take on' is for tasks and challenges.
'Undertake' is very formal (legal/academic). 'Take on' is more common in daily life and business.
Yes, especially in British English. 'We are taking on new staff' means 'We are hiring'.
Just put the opponent after 'on'. 'I will take on the champion.'
'Took on' is past tense; 'taken on' is the past participle (used with 'have').
Yes, it means the situation starts to have that meaning or quality.
It's a noun usage meaning 'What is your opinion?'
Yes, this is the most common and perfect way to use it.
Yes. 'Take on the task' and 'Take the task on' are both correct.
In that specific song, it's a slightly poetic/non-standard way of saying 'Take a chance on me' or 'Accept me'.
Yes, it means to fight or compete against them.
Related Phrases
take up
similarTo start a hobby or fill a space.
take over
similarTo gain control of something.
undertake
synonymTo commit to and begin a task.
take in
contrastTo absorb information or deceive someone.
take it upon oneself
specialized formTo decide to do something without being asked.
